Brit Film Commissioner steps down

Existing team to continue Brown's work

LONDON — British Film Commissioner Colin Brown is ankling after four years.

He made the announcement in Los Angeles on Tuesday at an event hosted by British Consul-General Barbara Hay.

During his tenure, Brown oversaw investment into the U.K., forging close ties with industryites worldwide to promote film production in the country.

“I have been in that post for four happy years and have now decided to leave to do other things in the film business,” Brown said. “The pleasure of serving in such a great job has been enhanced by the successes. Last year alone we broke the record for inward investment in the U.K. with almost $1.5 billion production spend. And, of course, out of this activity very tangible financial and creative benefits accrue to all partners.

“That’s what I think we have all become, real partners in film production and the strength of that partnership should continue to grow as the service and benefits of the British Film Commission remain in place and the U.K. infrastructure continues to deliver great results.”

Brown’s work will continue through the rebranded British Film Commission, which operates under the management of Film London and with the existing team in the U.K. and L.A.

Andy Weltman, the BFC’s exec VP of U.S. production, will continue to head the U.S. office while senior production exec Samantha Perahia will be the first point of contact in Blighty.

Additionally, the BFC has added an advisory board that will be chaired by producer Iain Smith (“The A-Team,” “Children of Men”).

BFC is a public/private partnership with key film bodies that will receive funding from the Dept. for Culture, Media and Sport via the British Film Institute in addition to commercial sponsorship.